Leading Scottish accountancy firm, Morris & Young, is based at 6 Atholl Crescent, right in the centre of Perth. Known as ‘The Fair City’ since the publication of the story Fair Maid of Perth by Sir Walter Scott in 1828, Perth is notable for its architectural diversity and solid sense of history as it sprawls outwards from the banks of the River Tay.

Atholl Crescent is a prime location near the Perth Playhouse, Concert Hall, Black Watch Castle and of course the River Tay. A majestic curve of white Georgian three-storey terraced townhouses, the accountancy firm shares the street with the RSPB, the Citizens Advice Bureau and a Masonic Lodge. The Crescent was built between 1797 and 1803, and offers a fine example of this period’s best and most handsome traditional townhouses.

Around 18 months ago, the proprietors of the adjacent property notified the owners of No. 6 that there was a visible rot attack to the front right corner of the building, shared by both houses. Initial operations were undertaken to halt the progress of the rot, but an exploratory survey earlier this year revealed both wet and dry rot to joist and rafter ends at ground, first and second floor levels.

Typically of so many period properties, the damage had been caused over many years by rainwater ingress coming into contact with unprotected internal timbers and setting up ideal conditions to allow successful germination of wood-rotting fungi.

In a residential property, it is usually relatively easy to section off an affected area. It is also reasonably straightforward to request that the occupants reside elsewhere for the duration of the works. However, with almost 40 Morris & Young staff occupying the building, the partners were understandably loathed to vacate the premises.

Fortunately, after due consideration the majority of the staff members were rehoused in temporary alternative office accommodation, allowing us significantly more freedom.

Immediately we arranged removal of light fittings, electrical switches, wall mounted heaters and carpets. The servers for the property were positioned in the worst affected room so it was crucial that prior to any stripping-out works they were sectioned off with sealed partitioning.

Scaffolding was erected to the front elevation of the property and we created a special opening access to ensure only a limited need to venture through to the rear of the property. In that way, all debris removals and timber replacements could be brought in and out using window openings and the scaffolding, thus minimising disruption to the few remaining accountancy staff.

Fixing the problem itself was a considerable challenge, especially as we had to take into account structural strengthening works carried out to the front elevation due to previous settlement. While removing, repairing and renewing all decayed timbers with sterilisation treatments, we had to make a considerable effort not to disturb the masonry. It was particularly important to ensure that all temporary supports were doubled and that only limited removal and re-instatement was carried out at any one time.

We are delighted to report that the works are now complete and our clients are pleased that we worked perfectly to schedule – if not a little ahead – with minimal disruption. Taking advantage of the temporary relocation of most of their staff, Morris & Young have even decided to redecorate their offices as soon as we leave, so their employees will return to clean, fresh and most importantly safe surroundings.

If you’re concerned your commercial property needs some attention, contact us today to see how we might be able to help.

So you’ve made the monumental decision to move house and you’re busy preparing for all the emotional and financial highs and lows that entails. You’ve found a buyer and you’ve set your heart on a perfect property in a desirable location. However you’re just a little concerned about the damp you’ve noticed on the kitchen ceiling and now your chartered surveyor or solicitor has picked up on possible timber defects that may require professional attention…

You’ve been referred to The Preservation Society for a specialist survey – what exactly can you expect to get for the pricey of a survey?

For a start you will benefit from our Managing Director Gavin White’s thirty solid years of experience in the building preservation industry. White holds CSRT status and Hidden Defects Insurance Auditor status – both qualifications cement The Preservation Company’s ability to fully assess properties and undertake a full property ‘Health Check’.

All initial survey requests will be carried out by one of our CSRT certified Surveyors within 24-72 hours. An average survey takes between 60 and 90 minutes and, unless we have been instructed otherwise, we feel we are only doing the client a true service if we examine all of the potential issues that may affect the property in the short, medium and long term.

Of course, the time spent surveying your property depends very much on the size and accessibility of the building; an empty house minus furniture or floor coverings is far more straightforward than a fully furnished premises!

Bespoke reports are sent out via email within 24 hours of survey completion and you can expect our findings to be highly detailed and several pages in length. Surveys include photographic evidence of any problems found and White’s professional advice as to whether or not any areas need further attention.

Should our survey uncover issues that require remedial treatment, The Preservation Company is of course well equipped to carry out that treatment and will refund the survey fee from the completed contract invoice.

Our team have specialised in preservation and repair for most of their working lives and combine over 100 years of experience and skill, so you can rest assured your property would be in excellent hands as we attend to any condensation, rising damp, penetrating damp or rot found during the survey.

In the event we are unable to treat a diagnosed problem, we have direct links to virtually all disciplines and will refer you to a specialist firm accordingly. As Gavin White explains, ‘Even if there is nothing that will benefit us directly in revenue terms, we want all clients to feel good about our service and professionalism.’

If you need a survey to be conducted as part of a home report, or you have recently discovered cause for concern within your existing property, why not contact us here – we provide surveys for both residential and commercial buildings and would be only too happy to give you the benefit of our expertise.